🌱 Clearwater Fire Medic Charged With DUI + Tampa Taco Fest Returns

Hello, neighbors! I'm here right on time with your Tuesday edition of the Tampa Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. In today's issue of the newsletter, we have these stories and more...

• Tampa has made the list of dirtiest cities in the United States in a new study
• Tampa's River O'Green Festival will return on March 18 to downtown Tampa
• An off-duty Clearwater Fire Rescue medic has been charged with DUI by authorities

But first, today's weather: Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 80 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Tampa has made the list of the dirtiest cities in the United States, according to lawn care company, LawnStarter. Tampa came in at no. 38 and was beat by Orlando at no. 24. Miami was ranked cleaner than both Central Florida cities. (Florida Patch)
2. Tampa's annual River O'Green Festival returns March 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Tampa. The Hillsborough River will be dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day during the festival and there will be plenty of food, entertainment, and festivities for all to enjoy. (That's So Tampa)
3. 56 cameras in Tampa captured more than 100,600 offenses in 2022, according to public records attained by the Tampa Bay Times. The traffic citations generated $10.4 million in revenue that was then split between the state, the city, and hospitals. Traffic light camera use is declining nationwide, while remaining in use throughout Tampa. Despite the cameras, Tampa remains one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists and pedestrians in the United States. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times)
4. Tampa Taco Fest returns this Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Al Lopez Park. Tickets are available online and are discounted when purchased in-advance for general admission. Guests can enjoy over 30 local restaurants, vendors, and food trucks at the festival. (ABC Action News)
5. An off-duty fire medic for Clearwater Fire Department was arrested and charged for DUI this past Saturday, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). The suspect was arrested while driving an unregistered golf cart on Skinner Boulevard in Dunedin, according to authorities. No punishment has been announced by the fire department as of Monday afternoon. (WFLA)

Today in Tampa:

• Scrabble at Temple Terrace Leisure Services. (12:30 p.m.)
• Friends Of The North Tampa Library Meeting. (1 p.m.)
• Crochet Buddies at Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. (3 p.m.)
• Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Block Party at Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen Brnadon. (5 p.m.)
• Design And Transportation City Council Forum at J.C. Newman Cigar Company. (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "We have new manatee release news to share. It's been a week for the record books. ZooTampa, with the help of our Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partners (MRP), successfully released four rehabilitated manatees back to the wild." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• Tampa Bay Lightning shared: "We're baaaaack!!! Who will we see at Amalie Arena this week!?" (Tampa Bay Lightning via Facebook)
• South Tampa Chamber shared: "We are celebrating Black History Month by highlighting some of our Black-owned member businesses! Today, we would like to highlight HD Real Estate Company! 😊 ✅" (South Tampa Chamber via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "March registration is now open for our backyard composting program. 🌱 Single-family residential customers with a yard can sign up to complete a required virtual workshop & receive a free bin. Space is limited." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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• Design & Transportation Tampa City Council Candidate Forum (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 22)
• Cirque Ma'Ceo is coming to Pinellas Park! (February 24)
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• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com